In part two of episode 2 of the interview series on the Task Force Tribute project, Christian Anschuetz, Principal Advisor and Consultant, SFDigital LLC, continues his conversation with Colonel Cole C. Kingseed, Ph.D., (Ret.).
Highlights
00:55 — Kingseed, a retired Army officer, served for 30 years and commanded at the platoon, company, and battalion levels. He served in the infantry in a variety of assignments while he was enlisted. After serving, Kingseed became a professor of history and chief of Military History at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. He holds a Ph.D. from Ohio State University and a master’s degree in National Security and Strategic Studies from the U.S. Naval War College. Additionally, Kingseed has written several published books and is a New York Times best-selling author.
03:20 — Kingseed suggests that regardless of their generation, all soldier’s sacrifices are identical — something that is often overlooked. During times of turmoil, the men and women serving in uniform don’t serve for themselves. It stems from their obligation to improve the country and the world. Kingseed reiterates the importance of sharing veterans’ stories, noting that “those are the stories that inspire America.”
06:45 — The purpose of the Task Force Tribute is to activate people to share their stories and collect others. There are many reasons to share these stories, says Christian — there is healing, remembrance, and inspiration.
10:43 — Kingseed references a book that inspired him, “We Were Soldiers Once…And Young.” The book emphasizes why these stories must be told — and retold.
15:51 — Soldiers’ stories must be told from various perspectives; they often get lost because they are told from a single side. Christian lost his brother while he was in the service, but notes how his parents “would be the first ones to tell you that they were still proud of him for having done the uniform in the first place.”
17:18 — Kingseed adds that the sharing of these stories reinforces “the impetus to share those stories, to make sure they will never be forgotten.”
17:58 — The retelling of soldiers’ stories informs other service men and women of the lessons which can help them avoid the mistakes that got them “into those positions in the first place.” Serving the country is great and noble, but it is not for everybody. Christian says there are many ways to serve the country without being in the military.
18:38 — What brings everyone together? Selfless service, says Kingseed.
22:00 — As the conversation comes to a close, Christian asks Kingseed if there is a final, profound, and inspirational story he would like to share.
22:43 — Kingseed says during the interviews with veterans he conducted for his mini-series, he would always end with the question “How would you like to be remembered?” He shares a few of the responses he received.
23:22 — Major Richard “Dick” Winters wanted to be remembered as a ranger; Kingseed says he was a ranger until the day he died. General James Gavin wanted to be remembered as a paratrooper. Joe Dawson wanted to be remembered as a commander of Company G, second battalion on the 16th infantry regiment.
25:00 — Kingseed says the focus of these men and their legacy was not on themselves, but on the entire unit — the men and women with whom they had the honor to serve. Kingseed feels a moral obligation to tell these stories, in any form desired, and simply just interview veterans.
27:01 — How does Colonel Cole Kingseed want to be remembered? He says he wants to be remembered for having “made a small corner of his world better.”
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